17 stoner states: Where's marijuana use highest?

Marijuana use in America is high and getting higher. A 2009 survey showed that 10.8 percent of Americans admit to at least an occasional toke - up from 10.2 percent just a year earlier. And some states go for the ganga more than others. Keep clicking to see 17 states with above-average levels of pot use, as identified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration...

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17. Delaware

Doobies are popular in Delaware, which kicks off the list of states whose residents really love pot. The "first state" admitted to the union has a pot smoking rate that's just above the U.S. average.

Percentage of Delawareans who smoke pot: 11.86

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16. Hawaii

Hawaii? Maybe it should just change its name to its state abbreviation, HI, given how many citizens of the Aloha State use marijuana. After all, Maui Waui isn

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15. Michigan

Are the munchies big in Motown? One thing's for certain - people in Michigan love their marijuana. And with a doctor's note, Michiganders can have up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana to treat diseases and chronic pain.

Percentage of Michiganders who smoke pot: 12.16

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14. Montana

Mary Jane is popular in Montana, according to SAMHSA's survey. Do residents ever take a trip to Yellowstone-d National Park? This photo was taken during a 2007 medical marijuana rights demonstration in Missoula.

Percentage of Montanans who smoke pot: 12.21

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13. Connecticut

Cannabis is big in Connecticut - but the state doesn't have any medical marijuana laws on the books. For ranking 13, it's also the lowest-ranked New England state on the stoned states list.

Percentage of Connecticuters who smoke pot: 12.53

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12. New York

People in the Big Apple smoke bud, even though marijuana is illegal throughout the state - even for medicinal use. This photo was taken during a 2002 pro-cannabis demonstration in New York City. According to a recent report by the New York Civil Liberties union, New York City police arrest and jail more people for marijuana-related offenses than anywhere else - in the world. Why can't Gotham get enough of ganja?

Percentage of New Yorkers who smoke pot: 12.83

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11. Washington

Washington doesn't mess around when it comes to weed. While most states with medical marijuana laws allow one to three ounces of supply, Washington allows an eye-popping 24 ounces - or a 60 day supply. This photo was taken during the 2003 Hempfest in Seattle - the largest rally and festival advocating marijuana drug war reforms in the world.

Percentage of Washingtonians who smoke pot: 12.84

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10. California

Despite the national perception that Californians love their cannabis, the state only ranked 10th on this list. Still, nearly 13 percent of Californians smoke indo, possibly before heading out to In-N-Out burger for munchies.

Percent of Californians who smoke pot: 12.88

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9. Maine

People from Maine flock to magic smoke like out-of-towners flock to the visit the state that's nicknamed "Vacationland."

Percentage of Mainers who smoke pot: 13.56

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8. Washington D.C.

The District isn't technically a state, but its citizens still dig dope. Do the legislators and lobbyists that debate marijuana's legalization realize how many smokers live close by?

Percentage of Washingtonians who smoke pot: 14.29

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7. Rhode Island

Rhode Islanders can't get enough reefer according to the survey. Who would have thought such a small state would have that high of a percentage of high people?

Percentage of Rhode Islanders who smoke pot: 14.32

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6. Oregon

Is the state's biggest city Portland - or Potland? Like Washington, the state allows up to a 24 ounce supply of medical marijuana, and for those hemp horticulturists, Oregonians can grow up to 24 pot plants.

Percentage of Oregonians who smoke pot: 14.45

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5. Massachusetts

This blue state sure loves its green - and that doesn't mean the Celtics. Though Massachusetts doesn't legally allow medical marijuana, its citizens passed the Sensible Marijuana Policy Initiative in 2008 which reduced penalties for people caught carrying an ounce of marijuana or less. This photo was taken during the 11th Annual Massachusetts Cann Freedom Rally for the legalization of marijuana in 2000.

Percentage of Bay Staters who smoke pot: 14.55

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4. New Hampshire

Why are there so many stoners in New Hampshire? According to the Justice Department's National Drug Intelligence Center, New Hampshire's pot preference is nothing new. A 1997 DOJ survey found marijuana was the state's drug of choice "even among elementary school age youth."

Percentage of New Hampshirites who smoke pot: 14.88

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3. Colorado

More than 15 percent of Colorado residents are "Rocky Mountain High" these days. Denver's doobie lovers wear the "Mile High" nickname with pride. This photo was taken on April 20th, a de facto holiday for marijuana enthusiasts, in 2010.

Percentage of Coloradans who smoke pot: 15.09

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2. Vermont

Nearly 16 percent of Vermonters smoked marijuana during the past year, earning it a spot as the state with the second-most stoners. What else? The band with a big stoner following, Phish, was formed at the University of Vermont in 1983. Coincidence?

Percentage of Vermonters who smoke pot: 15.97

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1. Alaska

The "baked Alaska" dessert was actually created in New Orleans, but it makes you wonder. Alaskans smoke the most weed, with over 16 percent of their population admitting to puffing pot in the past year. Though federal law doesn't technically allow marijuana, Alaska is the only state in the U.S. where it's legal to have one ounce or less in one's home - not even for medicinal purposes. Clank your bongs together for a toast Alaskans, you earned the top spot.